Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX), has awarded a contract to Levett Engineering to manufacture components that will be installed into F135 engines. The F135 engine is the propulsion system for the fifth generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

Levett Engineering, a precision component manufacturer located in Elizabeth, South Australia, was previously awarded contract work to manufacture second and third-stage turbine vane tubes and covers for the F135 engine. This latest award for bearing housings, covers, and related mechanical system components has a potential value of approximately $200 million over the life of the F-35 program.

"This award reaffirms Pratt & Whitney's commitment to F135 engine industrial participation in Australia," said Howie Chandler, vice president, Military Engines, Business Development at Pratt & Whitney. "Levett competed globally and was selected as the best value supplier of these engine components, and continues to be a valuable part of our global supply chain for the F135 engine."

"We are delighted to have earned the trust of Pratt & Whitney to manufacture and deliver these key components for the F135 engine," said Paul Levett, managing director, Levett Engineering. "As a small-medium enterprise, we are focused on delivering high-quality products at competitive prices. Our contribution to the F135 engine helps ensure jobs and technology-know how remain an essential part of our local industry, and a key support to the needs of the Australian Defence Force."

The F-35 will replace Australia's aging fourth-generation aircraft with an affordable, sustainable, and highly capable fifth-generation aircraft. The F-35 program includes partners from nine countries – Australia, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States – as well as three foreign military sales customers – Israel, Japan, and South Korea.